The February 2011 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Mallory from A Sofa in the Kitchen. She chose to challenge everyone to make Panna Cotta from a Giada De Laurentiis recipe and Nestle Florentine Cookies.

I am late posting my DB challenge this month. Truthfully, the date just crept up on me until I realized it was the 27th, and I didn't have many of the ingredients I needed.

A quick search of the cabinets showed me that I could make the Florentine cookies, but I'd have to run to the store to make the Panna Cotta. Luckily, I was able to con my husband into being my errand boy. He' s so sweet. Most days:)

Anyway, once I was elbow deep in the baking challenge, I almost threw in the towel with the cookies. I started out by halving the recipe, because I didn't need a ton of buttery cookies sitting around on a Monday. Things were going well...until I forgot to half the amount for the last couple of ingredients. So that led me to a mad dash of dumping in another half of the first few ingredients, trying to even everything out. Are you following me? Have I confused you yet?

Well, somewhere along the way I must have messed something up, because my Florentines turned out thicker than I believe they are supposed to be. I decided to go with it anyway, and just dipped and drizzled a few with chocolate, instead of sandwiching them. They turned out OK.

The panna cotta was an experiment that turned out a lot better though. I substituted liquid chai concentrate for the milk, and the result was a smooth, creamy, spicy concoction that was very yummy. Since I pretty much ruined the cookies, I tried to salvage my pride by layering the chai panna cotta with a honey jelly - the layered effect was inspired here. I have to say, I was pretty proud of myself for the visual effect, even if the cookies were blah:)

For the Honey Jelly: Pour the water and honey into a pot, and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the top. Set aside for 5 minutes, then cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it begins to come to a boil and the gelatin is dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.

For the Chai Panna Cotta: Place the chai concentrate in a cold pan and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the top. Set aside for 5 minutes. Now cook the chai mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Do no let the mixture boil. Combine the cream, honey, sugar and salt, then pour over the gelatin mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey and sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot, but not boiling, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

~ Divide half of the honey jelly between 4 glasses. So you will pour about 1/8 of the mixture into each glass. Carefully place the glasses in the fridge and chill for 30 minutes - 1 hours.

~ When the first layer of honey jelly is set, carefully pour 1/8th of the panna cotta mixture into each glass, over the honey jelly. Carefully place back in the fridge for 30 minutes - 1 hours to set. Repeat with a layer of honey jelly, followed by the panna cotta. When completed, you should have 4 layers, alternating honey jelly and panna cotta. Place back in the fridge for the final layer to set.

When ready to serve, remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Enjoy!

Amber simply stunning! Love the pictures, love the pana cotta (which is a feast for the eyes) and love the cookies. I've seen quite a few pana cottas in my blogfeed today, but yours is one of the most unique flavors for sure.

Amber your Panna Cotta and Florentines are just beautiful. What a lovely photo. I really love chai so I imagine that this will become a firm favorite. I really haven't worked with gelatin so I am inspired by you to try.

Beautiful job on the challenge! Both your cookies and your panna cotta look stunning and the flavour combination sounds like it was so perfect. I am definitely going to have to try the chai panna cotta!!! Thanks for sharing. :)

GORGEOUS!! I love that layered look-the cookies look awesome too:) I just read on someone else's DB post that their cookies were thicker and chewier than they were supposed to be too-So maybe it doesnt have to do with your forgetting that you were halving the recipe;) heehee-{happens to me ALL the time}

But how did the florentines taste?? Sorry they gave you a little bit of trouble, but I really don't think they look like a fail! :) And your panna cotta looks simply stunning. I am seriously thinking of trying that honey gelee!! Great job!

Your panna cotta is gorgeous and using chai concentrate is a great idea. I have the same problem with halving/doubling recipes--I screw it up every time. That said, I think your cookies are beautiful and your presentation is stunning.:)

This is an excellent panna cotta, loved addition of honey in it, makes it so yummy and healthy. I have seen number of bloggers with this recipe but yours has surpassed everybody, loved the natural color, may be becoz i love honey. I will surely try this recipe of yours...cheers !

February did fly by! Your panna cotta looks so beautiful. Such a stunning dish. Thank you for sharing another bite of delicious goodness! I think your cookies look swell. And thank you for being so sweet on my own blog :-) I hope you have a great day tomorrow.

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